Alder buckthorn bark belongs to the so-called anthranoid drugs, in which the laxative effect, unlike the swelling drugs, is biochemical and not physical. The free anthraquinones and anthranoid glycosides are bacterially cleaved in the intestine, where they lead to a reduced transport of water into the blood and at the same time to an increased secretion of chloride and subsequently water into the intestine.
The increase in volume in the intestine results in stimulation of intestinal motility and faster emptying.
Faul tree: side effects
When taking alder buckthorn preparations, cramping gastrointestinal symptoms may occur in isolated cases, necessitating a dose reduction.
If sloth bark is taken for too long or in too high a dosage, electrolyte disturbances, especially potassium loss, are possible. Potassium loss may result in cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness.
Harmless pigment deposits in the intestinal mucosa may also occur, but these regress after discontinuation of the drug.
Chronic use of sloth preparations may result in potassium deficiency and subsequently cardiac arrhythmias.
Interactions of alder buckthorn
Medications for functional heart disorders such as cardiac glycosides and antiarrhythmic drugs should therefore not be taken together with alder tree preparations, as the drug effect may otherwise be influenced. Combination with various diuretics (thiazidiuretics), adrenocortical steroids, and licorice root may further increase potassium loss.
